Vote gets Whitehead's 'reluctant' okay

Council has moved the next step in the process of setting a course for Caledon's future. Council has reaffirmed the planning decision made by the previous council to set a population of 108,000 by 2031 for the Town of Caledon.

This number contains additional population for Bolton/South Albion of 11,500 and for Mayfield West of 23,000. The population growth estimates for the Palgrave estates area are reduced to match restrictions created by the Oak Ridges Moraine legislation. The rest of Albion and Caledon East remained the same as identified in our current official plan.

I am generally satisfied with the plan for Caledon but still have some concerns about the future well-being of the Bolton area and the reality of emerging provincial policy.

I have spoken to hundreds of people over the past few months on the growth issue and community values and needs. I can tell you that their views and concerns are varied except that everyone is looking for improvements in our community, its infrastructure and services, its local economy, and its quality of life.

I somewhat reluctantly voted with council on the growth plan because I'm still not satisfied that the growth strategy will work for the Bolton area with regards to timing. The planners and administrators seem to think than we can have virtually no population growth for a few years while still maintaining an active and growing local economy and while making progress on our community service needs. Frankly, I'm skeptical.

Major capital projects such as the completion of the Bolton bypass, a new fire hall for the south hill, improved recreation facilities and increased environmental protection measures require new contributions from development charges. Hundreds of businesses employing thousands of people locally require strong local markets.

Over the next few years, I will be closely monitoring our delivery of timely and effective services and the strength of our local economy as I continue to work with the Bolton councillors in the best interest of our community.

I will continue to look at the big picture with the perspective that I have gained over 40 years of local community involvement.

I expect positive results.

Richard Whitehead, Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4